Dubai, UAE, July 14, 2021: 3M and Pandemic Action Network will collaborate on programs to help stem the spread of COVID-19 and today also announced a commitment to work together to help prepare for future pandemics.
3M has led a comprehensive global response to country-specific needs during the pandemic and will now combine its learnings with the insights from the Pandemic Action Network, the first organisation of its kind to advocate for policy changes and increased support and resources to ensure countries are better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to pandemic threats.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has stretched the bond between the public, private sector and the scientific profession as never before. Effective measures that suppress and control transmission need to be implemented widely, and they must be supported by financial and social programmes that encourage community responses and address the inequities that have been amplified by the pandemic”, Laszlo Svinger, Vice President and Managing Director, 3M Middle East, and Africa.
“We’re staying true to our 3M vision to improve every life, as we take steps today to prepare for and help protect against future pandemics”, said Denise Rutherford, senior vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, 3M. “No stakeholder or sector can tackle the enormity of this alone. The challenge demands bold collaboration on solutions and innovative approaches with governments, NGOs, academic organisations and other companies because that’s how we will build a stronger and more resilient future”.
Pandemic Action Network is a coalition of more than 100 global multi-sector organisations that are driving collective action to bring an end to COVID-19 and to ensure the world is prepared for the next pandemic. 3M and Pandemic Action Network will work together on programming to support vulnerable communities that continue to bear the brunt of COVID-19.
“With the mass roll-out of vaccines and the U.S. CDC’s recent guidance on masking, many people are understandably hopeful that the worst is behind us — but the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and now is not the time to let our guard down. So far in 2021, there have been more cases and deaths reported compared to the whole of 2020. We must act on lessons learned and continue to promote and inspire healthy behaviours while ensuring the world is better prepared for pandemic threats”, said Gabrielle Fitzgerald, CEO of Panorama Global and co-founder of Pandemic Action Network. “Through our partnership with 3M, we will mobilise public support and catalyse action until the world has fully crushed this pandemic”.
3M recognised the challenge of COVID-19 early on and has increased production of N95 respirators and other supplies needed to fight the pandemic. Recently, 3M looked back on lessons learned from the pandemic and released a whitepaper on best practices and policies to prepare for future pandemics. 3M has also partnered with humanitarian aid organisations that are providing critical supplies and assistance throughout the world. Learn more about 3M’s efforts to fight COVID-19, here.
